Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Kenosha?
- 2 Does the City of Kenosha Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
- 3 Who is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Kenosha?
- 4 How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Kenosha?
- 5 Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Kenosha?
- 6 What if Dead Trees are Near Power Lines in Kenosha?
- 7 How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Kenosha?
What Are the Most Common Tree Issues in Kenosha?
Kenosha, with its location along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, is a beautiful place to see. It is a place of history, where Paleo Indians once roamed more than 13,500 years ago. In more recent times, it is where many vehicles got their start, which helped to ensure the city’s place in history books everywhere.
Today, it is a place of history with several districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is this that makes residents embrace history, perhaps more than some other towns. There are Renaissance Fairs, Civil War museums, and numerous other historic things to see. However, one of Kenosha’s most impressive historical features is its trees.
Sadly, there are several types of insects that plague Wisconsin’s trees. The biggest threat to trees is the Emerald Ash Borer, which was brought in through a shipment from China. Once they get in a tree, it could have devastating effects, so our arborists work diligently to keep it under control. This unfortunate fact has also led to the Public Works removing more than 5,660 ash trees from parks all around the city.
Another pest, one native to the area, is the chestnut borer. It can also be brutal, but unlike the Ash, it only attacks trees that are already unhealthy.
Beyond the pests, recent severe storms have put a major hurt on the many trees that once thrived in Kenosha. Heavy rainstorms, extreme heat, flooding, tornados, shorter winters, etc. Trees and people are struggling to keep up.
Does the City of Kenosha Provide Any Assistance in Tree Removal Problems?
There are no assistance programs for tree removal in Kenosha at the moment. However, there are other resources for you to take advantage of. Kenosha offers free wood mulch or compost to city residents and property owners. You simply have to bring the shovel and containers. If you do not have a way to haul it, you can request a delivery, but there will be a fee for it.
The free wood comes from the many ash trees that have had to be destroyed because of beetle infestations. Holiday tree removal is also available if you want to take advantage of it. There are several locations for you to drop it off.
Who is Responsible for Fallen Tree Removal in Kenosha?
There is a strong desire to protect the trees that are in Kenosha because there are so few remaining. However, this doesn’t mean that nature doesn’t still remove the ones it does not want. If there is a severe rainstorm or other issues that takes down a tree unexpectedly, you may wonder who will clean it up. Is there someone you can call or is it your responsibility?
If you’re a homeowner?
In most states, it is a common practice to live by “what is on your property is your responsibility.” If you have something on your property, it is your job to take care of it the same way that Kenosha takes care of removing beetle-infested trees. In Kenosha, as the property owner, you have an obligation to remove trees that are infested, diseased, dying, or already on the ground.
If you’re a renter?
A renter is not the property owner. This means that you are not specifically responsible for tree removal because it will alter the property of your landlord. If you have a tree issue, you should contact them to see how they want it to be handled.
There are exceptions to this rule. If you have a contract stating you are responsible for the upkeep of the property, then you will likely have to remove the tree yourself.
If you’re a landlord?
As the property owner, the obligation to remove trees will fall on your shoulders. That is unless it is otherwise written into a lease or contract that you have signed with your renter. If you are unable to get to the rental property to take care of it, you may be able to work out something with your tenant. Keep in mind that they are not the person who is “assumed” to be responsible for it. They can say no.
If you’re a neighbor?
When you live next to someone who has a tree that drops leaves on your property or drops limbs during a storm, it can be frustrating. The same is true if it falls and damages your property.
However, as frustrating as it may be, you are not allowed to remove their tree. You simply have to clean up your own property. You are allowed to trim back limbs that may be hanging over your lawn to your property line. The problem is, if you damage the tree, you could be faced with legal issues. It’s best to call in our experts to handle trimming of these problematic trees.
If the tree falls on your property, you will have to be the one to clean it up. Your insurance may pay for damages, but it could also mean that you can seek liability because it wasn’t your tree that hurt your property.
How Does the Soil Affect Trees in Kenosha?
Overall, Wisconsin has outstanding soil for all plant life. This is what makes them a top producer for all things agricultural. In Kenosha, there are three main soil types. They include Miami Silt Loam, Miami Fine Sandy Loam, and Prairie Soils.
When landscaping, you want to have loamy soils because it holds water, doesn’t require a lot of soil preparation, or aeration. The mixture of a little sand in it is also helpful and will increase your success rate with trees on your property.
However, with Ash trees being a problem, you will have to choose the type of tree you want to plant carefully. There is a list of approved parkway trees that may help you in choosing the best type of tree for your property. This list includes trees such as Maple, Birch, Hornbeam, Gingko, Crabapple, Linden, Elm, and more.
Many of these trees are native to Wisconsin, which further ensures that you can grow healthy trees, bringing back the beauty of your lawn. If you are still unsure about what to plant, there is a tree program that may help you.
Does Weather Affect Tree Health in Kenosha?
The weather in Kenosha is normally good for plants and trees. In the winter, the average high is around 30 degrees with a low of around 16 degrees. In the summer it can be quite nice at around 80 degrees for a high and the low 60s for a low. There is precipitation throughout, in some form, each year with no real “dry seasons.”
In recent years, though, the weather has changed becoming a little warmer than normal. This has brought about more severe weather for Wisconsin. Storms and wind may damage some trees that are normally hardy.
What if Dead Trees are Near Power Lines in Kenosha?
When nature takes over, and you have a tree emergency that involves power lines, your first call should be to contact your local electric company. In the area, this typically means contacting We Energies. You are urged to stay away from the tree and the power line for your safety because contact with lines can be life-threatening.
We Energies promises to handle any power outage because of trees or storms as quickly as possible. This means you shouldn’t have to wait long for someone to remove the problem tree so that you can get on with your life.
How Much Does Tree Removal Usually Cost in Kenosha?
It is hard to predict how much tree removal will be in Kenosha. Every job and every tree is different. On average, the range of tree removal prices can go from $280 to over $1,300. Most homeowners pay about $600 total out-of-pocket. It simply depends on the job and other factors that may make the job harder for our professional tree removers.
Some things you may want to consider include:
Special Situations
Whether you have a large tree or multiple trees, it will impact your final cost. For instance, larger trees may require us to bring more workers or special equipment. It may also take longer to get the job done. Multiple trees add to the time it will take, which may make your final cost higher. Beyond that, tree emergencies that occur on weekends or holidays are also more likely to cost extra. These emergencies may come up from a tree falling during a storm or any number of other unexpected situations. If it has to be dealt with on the spot, you will likely have to pay more in labor costs.
The best idea is to make sure that your trees are always in good health. It can save you from the potential risk of tree emergencies.
Difficult to Access
If a tree is located on your property and easy to get to, it will be more affordable to remove it. A tree that is surrounded by mud or growing out of your pond could cost you more, depending on how much trouble it is to get to.
The same is true for trees that are near a structure. Removing a tree from near a structure of any kind can be tricky because of the potential for damages. A large tree that is growing near your home may have to be removed in pieces to be able to bring it down safely.
Permitting Requirements
Though you will not need a permit to remove a tree, there are special considerations. If you live on the water, you may be restricted from cutting trees unless they are dead or dying. You may also have to have a permit if you are planning to build a driveway in an area where a tree may need to be removed. Therefore, this strongly depends on what you are trying to achieve by removing your tree.
Our experts can take care of permitting issues for you to make the removal process stress-free!